Phoenix Motorcycle Training is making motorcycling accessible to everyone, and Linda Pilbeam, 71, proves that with the right support age certainly isn’t a limiting factor.
The beauty of motorcycling is that there’s no particular time or way to get started with it. For 71-year-old Linda Pilbeam, the road to a full licence was a long but rewarding one.
Motorcycles have long been part of Linda’s family life. Her husband has been a biker for over 40 years, her children and their partners all ride, and even her grandchildren are getting started on two wheels. Despite being surrounded by motorbikes for decades, Linda reached her 71st birthday without ever taking the step from CBT to a full motorcycle licence — until a family challenge changed everything.
It all began when Linda’s daughter announced she was going for her full bike licence. Wanting to offer support, Linda promised to do the same if her daughter passed. It was meant as a pep talk – until her daughter succeeded and reminded her of that promise.
True to her word, Linda set out on her journey to becoming a fully licensed rider. Aware that she faced different challenges from younger learners, including an injury and concerns about managing the weight of larger bikes, Linda knew she’d need a training approach tailored to her needs.
Her path crossed with Mark Jaffe from Phoenix Motorcycle Training at a bike event, who encouraged her to contact the Phoenix centre at Foots Cray. The team there designed a bespoke 11-month training plan that focused on steady, manageable progress.
Linda began with a “Getting on a Bigger Bike” session, followed by shorter, weekly lessons to build confidence and stamina. She trained on a lowered Kawasaki Z650, which made handling easier and boosted her confidence.
“The Phoenix instructors were absolutely wonderful,” says Linda. “They really went out of their way to tailor the training for me so I could progress at my own pace. They kept giving advice and encouragement through it all – I really can’t thank them enough.”
Now, Linda proudly holds her full motorcycle licence and owns her very own Kawasaki Z650 — the same model she trained on. With improved confidence and mobility, she’s ready to enjoy longer rides and new adventures on the open road.
And the biking legacy continues: her granddaughter Maize has booked a Try Ride with Phoenix Motorcycle Training — a programme designed to give 16–24-year-olds their first taste of motorcycling. It seems the family’s passion for two wheels is set to continue for generations to come.
Mark Jaffe from Phoenix Motorcycle Training said: “Linda’s story is living proof that it’s never too late to start riding, and that with the right support, anyone can do it – and love every minute of it.”
About Phoenix Motorcycle Training
Phoenix Motorcycle Training is the UK’s largest motorcycle training provider, with over 20 centres nationwide. Offering everything from CBT courses to advanced rider training, Phoenix is dedicated to helping riders of all ages and abilities gain confidence, skills, and a lifelong passion for motorcycling.
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